Advnture Verdict
A versatile and tough little backpack that can be used for a wide variety of activities, from taking your laptop to a meeting to carrying essentials on a day hike. I nominated the Black Hole as the best-on-test bag for commuting.
Pros
- +
Easy access
- +
Haul handle
- +
Padded laptop and tablet compartments
- +
PVC-free construction
Cons
- -
No hidden wallet/passport pocket
- -
Paler colors may dirty quicker
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Patagonia Women’s Black Hole Pack 23L: first impressions
To me, Patagonia Women’s Black Hole Pack 23L is an odd choice of name; it implies that things disappear once they enter it, which is a huge disservice – because, actually, for a small bag, the Black Hole has a lot of room for stashing things away sensibly.
For starters, it’s designed to carry a computer and tablet safely, which it achieves effortlessly. But there are also internal pockets for safely keeping things where you can put your hand on them quickly.
Plus, big, stretchy outside hiking water bottle pockets on each side double as storage space for a lightweight waterproof jacket, or as somewhere to stash treats from the farmer’s market.
The Black Hole is good for day-to-day commuting, but also for hiking and biking on trails – its versatility earns it a place in our best women’s backpack buying guide. As well as a tough, weather-resistant and lightweight exterior, the Black Hole’s outer fabric is a shiny PVC-free laminate that’s unbelievably wear-resistant, and the laminated face repels dirt and sheds water.
• RRP: $129 (US) / £100 (UK)
• Volume: 23L / 1,404 cu in
• Weight: 580g /1 lb 4.5oz
• Sizes: One size
• Colors: Smoulder Blue / Pumice / Black / Purple
Patagonia Women’s Black Hole Pack 23L: on the trails
After a year of using this pack to haul my laptop and other gear on monthly domestic and international trips, using it on regular commuting journeys to my local co-working space, and taking it out on the occasional hike, the laminate still looks as good as new. My pack is black. Presumably, if you buy a lighter color – like Pumice – the recycled polyester ripstop on the women-specific shoulder straps and recycled webbing haul handle will get dirty a bit quicker.
The lightly padded sleeves inside the main compartment are big enough for a 15-inch laptop and a tablet. The tablet sleeve has a microfiber face that kept it from scratching the glass on my iPad. Internal organization pockets held my charging brick and cords as well as my keys. I use the front pocket, which accordions, to carry stuff I’d otherwise have in my purse.
While this pack doesn’t have a handle at the nape of the neck, the front-mounted haul handle make it easy to grab off the floor or off the overhead rack on a plane, train or bus.
